For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10, CSB.
Exercise has been a part of my regular routine since college. During that time I recognized the physical and mental benefits of regular workouts. Exercise helped me shed the freshman fifteen and deal with the stress of nursing school. Later, it helped me recover my sense of self after birthing babies. What I did not prioritize until recent years was routine stretching.
In my younger years I was able to take off on a jog or jump into a workout with little to no stretching, but as I have aged that has changed. In order to have adequate range of motion and prevent injuries I have to work on flexibility and mobility. That means I must stretch before and after I exercise. Skimping on stretching will mean I cannot move like I need to during the workout and I may find myself nursing a strain or cramp afterward. In fact, stretching has become more important than the workout itself, as I aim to protect my aging joints and maintain healthy bones.
Physical stretching does for muscles, ligaments, and tendons what spiritual stretching does for our faith and growth. The stretch is the priming for movement and preparation for flexibility so that we can do good work. God has prepared works for us to do, and now he has to prepare us to do them.
So how does a Christian know if they are well-stretched, spiritually? Consider your current personal quiet time, discipleship of others, and Kingdom contribution. If you feel bored you are not stretching. If you are stiff and inflexible you need to stretch. If you are comfortable and relaxed then you may be working out of your own gifting and strength instead of being stretched to new lengths. And if you feel stuck and have been unable to move forward it is likely instead of striving, climbing, and pushing you need to stretch.
When we walk into a new season of life we all would like to feel strong and confident, and we think this comes by standing strong on our faith and flexing our spiritual muscles. But, every time God has called me to something new it starts with the discomfort of stretching. Finding a new measure of faith I didn’t know I had to do something I’ve never done is what enables me to find strength in him. Publishing a blog when you’ve only written privately, stretch. Writing a book when you’ve only written blogs, stretch. Sharing a new part of your story you’ve always held back, stretch.
And after the stretch, seeing how God uses your obedience to his glory and your good in new amazing ways, we become strong. But first, stretch.
God is ready for your good works, are you?
The stretch: Spend time today physically stretching. As you breathe through each pull of your muscles tune in to the Holy Spirit inside you. Listen for the call for flexibility and be aware of where you are resistant and stiff. Pray for submissive flexibility and enabling mobility that will ready you to stand strong in faith.